The CA Brumbies have named an unchanged starting XV for their first Investec Super 14 home fixture against the Crusaders at Canberra Stadium on Friday, 13 February.

CA Brumbies Head Coach Andy Friend has named a nine-man bench – with the addition of lock Shawn Mackay and flanker Mitchell Chapman – with two members of the extended reserves list to be omitted prior to the match.

The CA Brumbies’ Official website reports that winger Clyde Rathbone will resume his place on the wing after being cleared of any structural damage during the week stemming from a first half head clash against the Highlanders.

The centre pairing of Stirling Mortlock and Adam Ashley-Cooper – that scored three tries and set up the CA Brumbies’ fourth touchdown – remains in place while the front row of Nic Henderson, Stephen Moore and Guy Shepherdson also stays unchanged.

Friend says his side must build on their last-minute win over the Highlanders.

“There were a number of pleasing aspects to come out of last Friday’s game but in such a short competition we need to be improving each week,” he said. “We know that the Crusaders are a quality outfit. They are an extremely patient side that will wait for their opposition to make a mistake and capitalise on it whether that be in the 10th minute or the 80th.

“Given that, the key for us is to focus on our game and not present them with those opportunities.

“While I was fairly pleased with how we came together at times, there’s still room to improve. Our combinations are beginning to click and if we can continue playing the brand of football we want to then we’ll realise that potential.”

Saturday night’s match will also raise funds for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal with Red Cross volunteers and CA Brumbies members collecting donations for those affected by the fires. The CA Brumbies playing squad will also contribute half of Saturday’s match fee to the appeal while Brumbies Rugby will donate one dollar for each spectator at the ground and an additional $20,000 should the attendance reach 20,000.